The urban transformation of the area surrounding the future Clínic-UB Health Campus has taken a significant step forward, with the Porta Diagonal – Campus Clínic consortium approving the advance of the Urban Master Plan (PDU). The plan confirms the construction of 1,125 homes around the campus, at least half of which must be subsidised, as part of a wider redevelopment of 69.5 hectares spanning Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, and Esplugues de Llobregat.
According to the PDU advance, nearly 800 of the new homes will be built in L’Hospitalet, with the remaining 325 located in Barcelona. The plan will now enter a public consultation phase until December 2026, with the goal of initial approval in the first half of 2027 and final approval by early 2028. The full project aims for completion by 2035.
Green Corridors and Metropolitan Integration
A key feature of the redevelopment is the creation of three large green spaces totalling 22 hectares, designed as ecological corridors linking Collserola with central Barcelona. These will include the extension of the Finestrelles promenade, a new park on Collblanc road, and the expansion of Can Rigal.
The plan also targets the removal of current transport barriers, particularly the B-23 motorway link and the Ronda de Dalt, aiming to replace them with more accessible metropolitan avenues. Initial studies by Barcelona Regional suggest relocating the first traffic light on Avinguda Diagonal from Albert Bastardes avenue to Països Catalans avenue in Esplugues, allowing for a more continuous and pedestrian-friendly stretch of the thoroughfare.
Metro Expansion and New Faculty
The extension of metro line L3 from Zona Universitària to Esplugues Centre will begin in the second half of 2028, with a project update tendered for €4.5 million.
This infrastructure project, confirmed by the Ministry of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, is part of the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona’s Master Plan for Infrastructure 2021–2030. The first phase will cover 2.5 kilometres and include two new stations, with an estimated investment of €430 million.
Additionally, the University of Barcelona’s new Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences will be built on Sant Mateu street in Esplugues. The €135.25 million land acquisition by the Generalitat, plus a €17.5 million government subsidy, will fund the project. Construction is expected to begin in late 2029, with the faculty operational by the 2032–2033 academic year, accommodating 3,000 students.
Primary sources: pcb.ub.edu, govern.cat. Reported by ara.cat, clinicbarcelona.org, elnacional.cat, Metrópoli, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, es.ara.cat, lavanguardia.com, Vilapress, elperiodico.cat, elperiodico.com, ultimahora.es, Ara Cat.
